Opinion: Ministry of Health – Deliver the goods and not just talk…

The Ministry of Health and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine have promised greatness and huge results during the pandemic. This being the usage of donations in 2020 and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans to cover the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Health should instead of talking…. ACT. The state, the National Resistance Movement and everyone who ensures the hospitals and health centres are working. The Government of Uganda (GoU) needs get checked and questioned. Especially, when the hospitals lacks the basics. Neither prepared for a second wave of the pandemic.

It isn’t like the GoU and MoH should have made things possible. They should have covered the allowances and hazard pay for the health care workers. The same should be with educating nurses for the ICU and procure more ICU beds. Secondly, get ventilators, bigger production of oxygen and buy vaccines by the truck-loads. Instead of waiting for gifts and donations from the International Community. While the state is borrowing huge loans to cover for this.

That’s why the Ministry of Health, the government and all the bureaucrats needs to get help from the “high above”. They need to get the hold of the funds and capacity to actually do what is needed. Instead of seeing people dying because they are not getting in time to the hospital. Some even get to the hospital, but the lack of oxygen kills the loved ones. Instead of giving them a little more time to heal and catch the needed breath.

The MoH and GoU needs to man-up and take responsibility. They have failed their citizens. The Hospitals and the health care system was crashing before the pandemic. The pandemic is only exposing it and showing the dire distress. It is the innocent and the tax-payers who is not getting what they are deserving. These deserve to get treatment and healing from the virus. They shouldn’t die in the hospital, because the state didn’t prepare or spend needed funds to make it operational. They instead spend it on SUVs and Elections….

That’s how it seems. Dr. Atwine and the likes needs to fix the problems and not whine over this in a press release. They should instead of jumping behind the barricades and go into self-defence. The Permanent Secretary should go over to the State House and beg for more money. Should ask for funds from the Confidential Funds or whatnot. So, that she can procure, ensure training and equipment that can save lives.

That they should do, if that matters and if they want to stop the medical tourism, which is always a saving grace for VIPs and the elites. Therefore, the MoH and GoU better get a grip. They have borrowed twice from the IMF to save themselves during the COVID-19. Instead of spending directly on the necessary on Health Care. It goes to everywhere else and for whatever causes the state see fit.

That’s why the MoH sucks and the GoU is corrupted. They are not willing to invest or using loans to save lives. That is the proof and the Permanent Secretary have to responsibility together with all of the Ministers running the Ministry. They are all chefs and this is the dish they are serving. It is not tasty or a fine dining meal. It is fast-food and sometimes the plate isn’t even delivered. However, the Ministry is still billing the citizen who arrives at the hospital. That is the sad reality and this got to change. Peace.

Uganda: Statement by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija on IMF Executie Board Approval of extended Credit Facility for Uganda to Support Post-COVID-1 Recovery (30.06.2021)

Opinion: 100k shillings and stumbling…

The Government of Uganda (GoU) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have no approved an programme where they give “vulnerable” a voucher of 100,000 shillings. This is based out of a “Basket Calculation Formula”. This voucher is supposed to cover maize/posho, beans, bars of soap, cooking oil and other expenditure.

What is striking is how half-baked this voucher is. As the NRM and the Government seems to only doing it on a weird merit. They are not considering the costs of UMEME, Rent or anything else. Not like 20k is covering that. Because, the voucher is based on covering food for a month for 80k. That means the 20k is covering for everything else. I wonder, if that pays the boda-boda for dropping off the food during the lockdown? No additions for transport fees or even other costs. Which is still liable for… as the lockdown prolongs and the citizens cannot go to the market and make the funds to pay these bills.

This basket calculation formula is really a basket case. It isn’t functioning for a real family. This is just based on a fixed sum of funds to give the vulnerable. The vulnerable, which is based on 13 categories and you can wonder if the state an find these people. The citizens who they have put on that list. Isn’t the ones that is paying vat or being registered to authorities. The state can find out who is hired and works in a bar, but finding street-vendors and hawkers. That is a mission in its own. Doubt they are registered somewhere…

The government will really struggle to find these workers and the ones within the gig-economy who is struggling. Unless, they are planning to send the RDCs and RPC to the ghettos and streets to see if anyone is there. Secondly, if they are going to send out forms and applications to the people now to figure out, who is working where and whatnot.

This is when you know things are dire and distress. The state knew the gig-economy been the driver. The system is exposed and the needs are vast. This 100k shillings drive will not resolve things, but only patch the hurt for a minute. It is not like this solve the bills or the running expenses while awaiting release out of lockdown. This is a shot at the moon and aiming for the stars.

If the state had made a significant plan and shown character on this. It would have made sense. If they had a plan of serious amount of money and actually game-changing. Also, ensured all other expenses was covered. That there was a suspension of costs and the burdens on electricity, water and other utilities. That could have helped. Not to mention gas and possible petrol. As the black-outs is not stopping during the lockdowns.

Therefore, this is a hack-job and no matter where you twist or turn. It is a questionable act. As it cannot be measured or even processed. There is so much you can doubt and the state is never prepared. Just like it was never prepared or had the systems in order for the food deliveries in the first lockdown last year.

The idea itself of a voucher and a cash-check to the citizens during a lockdown isn’t dumb. However, the set-up and the premise, which the state delivers is foolish. It is so bureaucratic. That parts of me wonders if they will find all the bouncers, the street-vendors and hawkers in time to drop the shillings to them. Before its to late and the bureaucrat is buying the New Vision from them again on the way to work.

For God and For Country. Well, for God and have mercy upon us. They don’t know what they do. Show us your grace and shelter us in need. Amen. Peace.

Opinion: Some folks won’t cry at your funeral

Many men, many, many, many, many men

Wish death ‘pon me

Lord I don’t cry no more

Don’t look to the sky no more

Have mercy on me” – 50 Cent – ‘Many Men’ (2003)

This weekend have shown a sentiment and a wish that plenty of people has. Not that any of it was true. Still, people played along and saw it. I am sure people have seen the rumours of death and hospitalization of high ranking officials.

There was speculations of the death of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and a hospitalization of his son Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga at the Nairobi Hospital. Both are apparently false and was fake news. Though it was spread through the web and even hit the headlines.

There was even those defiant ones where they triumphantly said the President was alive, because he addressed a online summit. Also, journalist had to make a call to his son to verify that he was well and preparing to be the third in command of the army.

So, things have not really changed, but this is showing what many people wishes. There will be plenty of people out there. That will not cry or be sad when their demise is happening. It will be vast amount of people who looks forward to the final fall and the last “goodbye”.

These rumours wouldn’t be spread and shared, if there wasn’t a sentiment behind it. This is wishful thinking. People are wishing death on these ones. There are people who wish for their demise and the last breath.

It is not strange… considering all the ones who has been touched, who has lost their loved ones and all the ones who has struggled because of the Self-Styled President for Life. They want to see his end and cannot wait for it to happen.

What is also striking is the ill-will towards the son. The anointed one and the one who has been allowed to run wild with Special Forces Command and now will have a huger influence of the army. They also hoping for his demise too. There many who want to stop the idea of a dynasty as well.

Clearly, the state should be aware. There are plenty who is not there to give him the roses, but is ready for the casket drop. They are ready to see him and they will not shed a tear. That says it all… and should be a reminder about how your legacy will be as well.

When many men wish death on you… then you know your a hate dude. Your not a beloved person of the family or the greater society. When people wish upon final destination and the entry of the afterlife. They are also ready for the demise of his son as well.

That says a lot and rumours like this only shows how people behave and how they want this to stop. They are tired of his reign and his prolonged time in office. This Presidency have been going for over 35 years and still counting.

So it is not strange… but just shows what is simmering under the surface. The NRM needs to be reminded of this. They are feeding a dying horse and at one point this sentiment might boil over. Peace.

Opinion: The FDC needs to grow a pair

The current Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) high ranking officials needs to grow up and take their losses on the chin. Today’s news of possible dismissal of FDC MPs accepting Shadow Cabinet positions is foolish at best.

This coming from the same party, which have appointed Shadow Cabinets with MPs from other parties. So, this just shows a lack of growth or maturity from the current leadership. Yes, the FDC wasn’t consulted. Nevertheless, the FDC haven’t been willing to meet or greet the National Unity Platform (NUP) on earlier meetings either. Secondly, the FDC have retaliated and questioned the NUPs credentials and their agenda.

Therefore, that Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda is calling out like this. After what Nathan Nandala-Mafabi have done in the post-election. They have both been on the warpath with the NUP. These two have been comrades in talking ill of the NUP and their actions. While never accepting anything its doing. Neither, have it taking it lightly that none of the MPs was appointed to committee’s.

That’s why today’s words was striking. That they went this way. When the NUP have invited FDC. It has been seen as non-important and as a obstacle. This seems to be the same reasons for why FDC can avoid or even boycott IPOD. However, when FDC is appointed as the leader of IPOD. Than it becomes an important thing…

This sort of pattern is tiring. The FDC leadership better grow up. Especially, as this is supposed to the party who has for ages been in the battle and fought the dictatorship. The ones who can educate and show how things are done. They could show some heart and skill.

They should be happy that Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga have considered 7 MPs from the FDC. He could have picked several more from his own party the NUP. He could have filled the ranks. Still, he appointed surely in talks with his own and own their merits to various of positions. However, this is not good enough for the FDC.

Now… suddenly… the FDC wants to meet and drink tea. Who are they kidding here? What sort of game is this? Maybe FDC National Executive Committee (NEC) needs to have an extraordinary meeting to figure out the way to be a ordinary opposition and not the leader of it. Since, this is the first time in ages. The FDC is demoted and they should be gracious to be considered this big.

Even, if some of the big-men and the long-term MPs wasn’t appointed here or in May to the Committee’s. Still, they should just be happy and accept this. Just like the other opposition parties took their part. When they were at the helm and appointed the Shadow Cabinet. That is what the FDC should do now.

Well, maturity is clearly not this party thing. They are not able to show it. Neither, to take things to heart. Everyone is supposed to play after their tune and dance. However, no one else is supposed to counter or try on their own. That’s how this looks. This coming from one of the persons who has attacked the NUP after the elections.

That’s why this is tiring. This part seemed like someone you could look up to and get engaged in. That was just a lie. As they are only in it for their own and play by own rules. Never, accepting what other people does. Especially, the NUP should just follow and do the two-step. Never ever act on its own.

That’s why the FDC cry foul now and even wants to dismiss it’s own. They are so broken and lack moral courage. To even be gracious and move-on. They are not the big-dog anymore. Be leaders, act mature and take it on the chin. Show your character over this term and try again.

The FDC seems to lost their vibe and their Mojo. Like they have lost some vital parts and cannot operate in good faith. These folks who talks big. Should also act big. However, that’s to much to ask.

They are all for Democratic Change, but cannot the democratic change that has happened in the Parliament. Which they are smaller and the NUP is bigger. It is time for them to accept and eventually move-on. In 2016 they could act like big-shots in the opposition and in 2011 as well.

Now, the tide is turning and they just don’t seem ready for it. Time for Najjakumbi to visit Kamwokya and speak to the leaders there. I don’t think it would hurt. It would be a lesson of humility and maybe of finalization of maturity. Especially, if the FDC would ever continue to lecture the newcomer and their rise to power. It seems to be the only reasonable thing to do.

Unless, their only game-plan is to attack the NUP and Bobi Wine. Just like the NRM. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni needs to learn from Cuba

I like the unfortunate phenomenon of western countries halting exportation of the COVID19 vaccine until all their citizens are fully vaccinated. This will enable Africans to wake up and manufacture their own medicines. I like the bad things because Africans sleep too much, I have never believed in dependency. This selfishness in the world is bad but it’s a shame that the whole of the African continent is asleep waiting to be saved by others… In the short run, we shall see who can sell COVID19 vaccines to us. As far as Uganda is concerned, I assure you, we will never again be in such a situation, we are making our own vaccine” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (27.06.2021).

If the President believes in this… he should look to the Caribbean island of Cuba. The socialist government have built a health care system they can be proud of. President Museveni should call Havana and get some ideas. Especially, if any of his beliefs from his student days would still be hidden somewhere in his skull. Then it should be one-call away and get the knowledge to implement it.

As Cuba been reported like this by CGTN in 2020:

But for many, Cuba’s free universal healthcare system also deserves much of the credit. A WHO publication previously described it as “one of the world’s most effective and unique” systems. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called it “a model” for other countries around the world. Despite its poor infrastructure, lack of funds and a decades-long U.S. embargo, Cuba has the highest percentage of physicians in the world, with 8.4 per 1,000 people, according to the World Bank. People on the island have a life expectancy of 79 years – above the world average of 73 and just a few years less than wealthy nations like Japan, Switzerland or Singapore – and its child mortality rate is among the lowest in the world” (Sim Sim Wissgott – ‘Cuba’s doctors, healthcare system in the spotlight after COVID-19’ 10.06.2020, CTGN).

Now this weeks news about Cuba’s Vaccine Abdala:

Cuba has claimed to have developed its own vaccine against Covid-19. Named Abdala, the vaccine has shown tremendous efficacy in combating coronavirus. Considering the clinical data disclosed on Monday, the vaccine is 92% effective against the virus. The efficacy rate places Abdala among the most effective Covid vaccines, including Pfizer’s, Moderna’s and Russia’s Sputnik V” (Narayan Ammachchi – ‘Cuba Launches its Own Vaccine Called Abdala’ 26.06.2021, Nearshore Americas).

Arrived in Venezuela:

CARACAS, Venezuela, (teleSUR) — As part of an agreement between the governments of Cuba and Venezuela, the first batch of Abdala vaccines arrived Thursday to the South American nation, of the total of 12 million agreed, to contribute to Venezuela’s immunization campaign, informed the executive vice president, Delcy Rodríguez. “This extraordinary vaccine, which enjoys one of the best efficacies in the world, will be incorporated into Venezuela’s immunization process and it will be the people who will enjoy it. We are grateful,” said Rodríguez, accompanied by the minister of people’s power for health, Carlos Alvarado, and the minister of science and technology, Gabriela Jiménez” (TeleSur – ‘First batch of Cuba’s COVID vaccine Abdala arrives in Venezuela’ 27.06.2021, Caribbean News Global).

Why do I show these things from Cuba? Well, if Museveni is a man of his words, which the world knows his not. He is big boosting and promising big pledges. However, never putting any coins or investments behind it.

If he would make a vaccine or medicines. The President needs to invest in it. Not only in the confidential parts of the budget. Neither use such vast amount of the state budget on the State House, Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). If these are getting less funds… these shillings can be used on research and development at medical studies and also invest more in the health care system, which is lacking these day.

Nevertheless, this President rather live on handouts and spend loans on vanity projects. He rather spend money on a giant entourage and cronyism. Instead of building a well run state and have a working health care system. The COVID-19 Pandemic is only exposing this and shows his years of neglect. Not only the rest of the world using its resources to save its own first, before giving away surplus to others.

The vaccines should be shared equally. However, the Pharma-Industry is a for profit business and they are letting the rich nations by loads of vaccines. Nevertheless, the nations like Uganda haven’t used their funds or borrowed money from IMF/WB to buy vaccines either. They are just awaiting the free donated ones from WHO or GAVI. That’s just tragic and Museveni’s people is doing this.

Museveni needs to call Havana and get some advice. He also needs to see how they have prioritized the Health Care system over the years. This sort of advance and abilities to make a vaccine doesn’t come over night. The government has chosen this and therefore, they have results. They did this to not be dependent.

So, has Museveni been sleeping for over 35 years? I would say… he has been sleeping and awaited Presidential Handshakes from foreign investors to plant sugar and grow mangoes. Peace.

Opinion: Prayers alone will not save the Republic from COVID-19

Today, the President hold the 4th National Prayer Session since the start of the Global Pandemic in concern with the Coronavirus or COVID-19. This isn’t the first, but the fourth and a proclaimed holiday as well. The prayer is done during the recently announced lockdown, which is in full effect at the moment.

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni and his ruling regime isn’t winning the battle. The hospitals isn’t working, the health care system wasn’t prepared and neither was his state apparatus. That is all to blame on himself and his close associates. They had all the time in the world to invest, prepare and ensure the Ministry of Health was up to scratch. The whole government have had agencies, multi-national organizations and others supporting the health care industry over the years.

The President and his party have really very few excuses here. They have been in-charge since 1986. If someone had the time or the ability to invest, develop or create a working system. The bureaucrats in combination of thrifty politicians should have made that possible. As well, as a former donor friendly government and new breed leadership should have secured the footing of the expensive expansion. However, that was never the priority.

That is why the hospitals and health care centres aren’t up to par. They are never prepared and there was never an intention for it. The government supported system is failing and that was even before the pandemic hit it. There been so many stories of lacking equipment, dilapidated units and no concern of the lack of educated staff. This is why the COVID-19 is showing the distress and the disturbing fact of how the state has run this over the years.

The state could in ordinary times run away from it. They could misuse funds, spend on confidential expenditure, vast military budget and other various of post. While neglect the Ministry of Health. Forget the hospitals and their needs. Just like it never invested in machinery or procured the cancer machine for Mulago Hospital. That is just a proof of how dire and how problematic this field was.

The virus just reveal this at a large scale. It isn’t just one field of the medicine that’s hit. No, the whole system gets a pinch. The lack of ventilators, oxygen and PPE equipment. The lack of procurement of vaccines and in general negligence is a proven now.

What is tragic is that the citizens are paying the price for the lack of ICU beds. The citizens are paying a huge price for the treatments, the beds and the possible second grade treatment in the hospitals. As they are running out of needed healing remedies. The people on the streets are hawking unlicensed treatments in COVIDEX and cannot find shelter or hope. They are seeing loved ones are dying and suffering, because the state never even tried to prepare.

The state was busy buying suits, SUVs and other luxurious perks for the elites. Paying no mind on the lost ones today. They were living large on the misfortunate. That is the tragic reality here. The elite and the President lived a life of grandeur and still does. They can still flee as medical tourists elsewhere. However, the average citizens is footing a bill they cannot commit too and possible for a tale of more pain before things better.

That’s why a fourth day of prayers is really insulting. The President praying is a fine symbol. It is a tribute and a way of showing care. However, it is really shallow, when you know he has had over three decades and COVID-19 isn’t the first pandemic and neither last to hit on a global scale. The President could have together will all stakeholders prepared the hospitals and everything in connection a lot better.

The President could have road-maps and possible plans in case of a pandemic. The state could have mechanisms and funds for procurement of vaccines in emergency. However, that seems like a far-fetched idea. As the state only has rich wealth for tear-gas and paying security of the VIPs. That is how things seems …

That his praying now is a bit hopeless. Instead of using all these COVID-19 loans from IMF and World Bank to any good. Nevertheless, it seems like he has sullied the Republic and hoping nobody mind. Peace.

A look into the Shadow Cabinet of the 11th Parliament

Today, Leader of Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) MP Mathias Mpuuga unveiled the appointments of his shadow cabinet. Now the opposition is taking form and the NUP shows maturity in their choices. However, there are some interesting choices.

We anticipated that the NUP would have an majority and it does. What is striking, after all the dust is settled… the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) get several of positions and other parties get it too. This is not a sole NUP operation. No, there are MPs from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Democratic Party and Independents as well. Therefore, things has changed.

On the 28th May 2021 the first list was out and the ones picked for the Committees was mostly NUP and one JEEMA MP. That was a choice made by the NUP and the other parties felt left behind. Now, the LoP have taken them in, but don’t expect that to accept it or be gracious. Because, for instance the LoP have left behind the likes of Nathan Nandala-Mafabi and Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. These will be foul and cry out loud. We just know this and be aware.

So, now on the 25th June 2021 the LoP have made this list and it’s a total of 30 members. There are 30 people in the shadow cabinet. While the original cabinet is at 81. So, they have slimmed it a little bit, but still giving roles to plenty.

It is a friendly reminder of a rising star in the opposition is to see Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende, the lawyer and MP on the Justice and Constitutional Affairs. She’s one of out of plenty who has been called an “iron lady”. So, it will be interesting to see how she plays this out. As this is her first term as MP and being in Parliament. Been vocal as a People Power Movement lawyer and a critic fo government. Now, she has the moment to prove her skill and use this office for some good.

A person who didn’t need a party primary, but became the party flag-bearer nevertheless was Fortunate Rose Nantongo. Who replaced her deceased mother as the MP. She became the Democratic Party (DP) nominee after a handwritten application to the party. The rest is history and now she’s appointed to the Shadow Cabinet to the Gender, Labour and Social Development.

The Former Presidential Candidate Abed Bwanika is appointed to the shadow cabinet. He has turned into a NUP MP as well. It will be interesting to see a man like this who has been fishing fr relevancy and found his way to get into office. Now, will be in the shadow cabinet for agriculture. The former People’s Development Party (PDP) and who was so close to be part of the DP Block as well. This is why, I will find it interesting, if he will seek for McDonalds to trade in Uganda.

Then you Karim Masaba, the Independent MP for Mbale. Who is NUP Leaning. He is a childhood friend of Mityana MP Francis Zaake. Bobi Wine supported his candidacy directly and he was part of the NUP convoy, which routed across Mbale in 2020. Now his appointed to the Shadow Cabinet for the Tourism and Wildlife.

Surprise appointment at this point was Francis Mwijuke MP of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). We know he has a long history with Mpuuga. They have been together in the struggle since the Action 4 Change in 2011. Mwijuke is on his second term in office and been a vocal critic of the state. Still, he seemed very in favour of Kadaga as a speaker and not just doing it as a strategy. That’s why it’s interesting to see him in the Shadow Cabinet in the Trade & Industry.

Another interesting choice from Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was Anna Ebaju Adeke. She is the former Makerere Guild President and has a Bachelor of Law. Other than the public known things, she has incorporated an foundation in 2020. This was the Anna Adeke Foundation Limited on 25th February 2020. In 2018, she was part of the deflecting MPs to the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). However, that had to be short tint and only seeing if the ticket was viable. Since, by the times of elections she has gone to the FDC.

The one and only People’s Progressive Party MP Santa Okut have been appointed as well. She has represented the PPP before in the Parliament that was in the term of 2001 to 2006. The return is after a third try and never losing hope of returning back to Parliament. So, it will be interesting to see what she does and what ever she will do. As she’s alone in Parliament for a party founded in the early 2000s. Time will tell and she is appointed in the Shadow Cabinet for the Special Regions.

My last appointed that I find interesting… was Forum for Democratic Change Gilbert Olanya MP. He has been an Independent MP, but he become a FDC MP over time. He was another FDC MP who vied for Kadaga as speaker. Still, he been a resilient opposition MP. Who has been arrested for demonstrations in his district. This man hasn’t had it easy and put his work in. Still, it was interesting to see Mpuuga choosing him. In the Shadow Cabinet he will be working on the East African Community (EAC).

Just as we comments and look through the vast lists of Cabinet Members. The Shadow Government needs to be addressed as well. Not just praised, but wonder of their credentials too. This is why I do this. This is the first cabinet of Mpuuga. He has shown great heart, but let see how this plays out. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Office of the Leader of the Opposition – Press Statement on the current Lockdown in Uganda and Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic (25.06.2021)

The country is now battling a second COVID-19 wave. It is more devastating than the first wave. More infections and deaths are being registered countrywide. This has been fronted by the President as a basis for the current lockdown.

When compared to the lockdown in 2020, the citizens are now in a more vulnerable condition characterised by collapsing businesses, lost employment and subsequently struggling households. They have had their incomes and savings eroded in a bid to reinstate their livelihoods after the past lockdown.

Over the last couple of days when the lockdown was announced, we have been consulting specialists in the field of medicinde and health, economists and staticians, and we are here to give our view and response to the situation.

We are alive to the fact that most families can no longer afford a meal, parents struggled to return their children to school before they were again sent back home, paying rent for both homes and businesses is deplorable and of course the prohibitive cost of medical care. Additionally, the health sector is struggling to contain the pandemic. It is characterised by constraints of hospital beds, intensive care units, ambulances, motivated medical personnel and as you know it now; the severe lack of oxygen supply.

Lockdowns without development of befitting response system worsens the devasting impact of the pandemic as is the case now in Uganda. It is most felt in urban areas than rural areas although the trends now show that we could not reverse the trajectory, the rural areas too are going to bite even harder, given the nature of the systems in the areas. Elsewhere closure of businesses is reducing ability of lockdown subjects to earn and survive amidst inadequate social protection.

The situation is not helped by escalating food, fuel, electricity and water prices that are bound to even rise further in the new financial year due to the recently announced tax measures which were unmindful of the deplorable state of economic conditions of our people. It is akin to milking an unfed cow locked up in a kraal.

Ideally the initial lockdown should have been a stop gap measure to help the country buy time to develop a robust response system and mobilise resources. Unfortunately, the mobilised COVID funds amounting to over UGX 11 trillion appropriated by Parliament in FY2019/20 and FY2020/21 were grossly mismanaged. The Auditor General noted that there are ghost recipients, funds were diverted, spent on poor quality supplies, expended without supporting receipts and unjustifiably appropriated to individual leaders not institutions.

Furthermore, most of the funds were geared towards resuscitating the economy rather than boosting preparedness of the health sector which was outstretched by the pandemic.

To the contrary the unfunded gaps in health sector remained glaring. Given the intensity of the pandemic as envisaged in other countries such as India, USA, Brazil and Italy among others, more effort ought to have been geared towards funding of purchase of vaccines, ICUs, oxygen plants, ambulances, drugs among others including personal protective equipment (PPEs) for health workers.

The citizens are now facing the consequences of government’s failure to prioritise their health. The President is increasingly relegating government’s obligations to being a regulator and fronting the private sector as the service provider. We believe that this is part of the problem.

The deplorable state of government facilities and services has created massive demand for COVID treatment in private health facilities. Consequently, the cost of COVID treatment has soared to a range of UGX 2–5 million per week spent in hospital.

The situation is not helped by the low vaccination rates. Aggressive vaccination would have slowed down the spread of the virus as has been noticed in countries such as United Kingdom and USA. However out of our target population of 21.9 million, close to 870,000 have so far been vaccinated. This translates to a performance of 4%.

At this pace, it would take us 12 years to meet the target. During this time, thousands of people would have passed on due to COVID if we are to go by the 4% performance. The sluggish performance is largely attributed to government’s reliance on COVAX facility other than direct purchase of vaccine from manufacturers. While block purchases are economical, access to vaccines is slower and hampers pandemic response. This is evident in many African countries and the European Union.

The purpose of lockdown is to slow the transmission of Covid; and the purpose of slowing the transmission of Covid is not for the disease to disappear, but for government to buy time and prepare for adequate healthcare delivery as well as access. So, to say;
• Increasing hospital beds;
• Streamlining oxygen supply channels, to the extent of acquiring sufficient oxygen cylinders, Oxygen generation systems in regional referral hospitals, Oxygen delivery devices, ventilators and medical staff recruitments and their safety;
• Transforming hospital spaces into High Dependence Units (HDU) and Intensive Care Units (ICU);
• Converting public amenities into treatment supporting facilities.
• Increasing ambulance services in the hard-to-reach areas like the islands, and the highly disease burdened areas.

 

This sluggish pandemic response has also been derailed by the seemingly static messaging that focuses on prevention through washing hands, social distancing and avoiding touching of the face. It is not in tandem with the community infections and deaths.

Therefore, the latest lockdown pronouncement by the President fell short of adequately addressing the above issues and lacks deliverables that should be expected after 42 days. It is on this account that the following ought to be implemented:

Given that the new budget is yet to be executed, through a Motion of Parliament, it should be adjusted to allocate more funds towards state vaccine procurement, ambulances, testing kits, drugs, oxygen, personal protective equipment and renumeration of medical personnel;

Amend the tax measures such as rental income and excise duty that are to take effect on 1st July 2021 to temporarily reduce taxes on rent, fuel, and data. We all know the impact of taxes, and how fuel prices eventually impact food prices and consequently reduce the size of the basic basket available to the suffering masses. We believe that the tax measures announced by the Minister of Finance need to be revisited, and now, before they take effect to address the constraints of a suffering public.

We expect the President, in the circumstances, to assent to the NSSF bill to enable savers access midterm payments as a means of sustaining them during and after the pandemic.

Engage with private facilities with the intention of agreeing on minimal cost range of COVID treatment and offering incentives such as tax waives to these facilities. As long as government continues to look at these facilities as private, and therefore fail to rethink their approach to doing business, the cost of treatment will remain high, yet we know that the spread of government facilities is very limited and therefore cannot deal with the speed and current spread of the pandemic.

Recruitment of more health workers on permanent and contract basis to close the human resource gap that has been known to exist for several years to help cope with the pressure in the government health facilities. Government should also second health workers to private facilities to help and deal with the pressure and critical manpower needs in handling the pandemic.

We applaud the approach announced by the Prime Minister yesterday but we caution that this should be properly done because we are coming out of food abuse. Cash, as we know it, is very tempting and we have very weak systems. We have heard that they intend to use Mobile Money to deliver to individual citizens but we don’t have adequate data. If we consider phones available per capita and available to the poor, we see a problem. We invite the government to explain how money is going to be transferred to the citizens so that there is a democratic conversation about its feasibility.

CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS AND FREE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE


That covid-19 originated from outside Uganda. Had there been a sustained mechanism of restricting people entering our country at the boarder points, the population would be reasonably protected from the depression and financial loss associated with lockdown.


The failure to sustain the mechanism of restriction at the point of entry, like the mandatory 14 day quarantine and testing; prompted the decline into Phase three; community transmission.


Even then, had there been COVID-19 surveillance by way of massive testing to identify hot spots throughout the country, a cluster containment strategy would be employed to avoid large local outbreaks and a National Lockdown.


It is very regrettable that a large number of students in schools tested Covid-19 Positive Whereas, this age group is observed to be very resilient to Covid-19, with the least recorded deaths, and that many covid positive students were asymptomatic and others with very mild symptoms and are largely being managed from their homes; we also know of the few cases that needed High Dependence Unit care and ICU care.

We are aware that there are isolated cases of students who have passed on and we grieve with the families.


However, we believe that the decision to close schools was hurriedly thought. In the school environment isolation would be possible by way of converting a dormitory(s) into an Isolation Treatment Centre and government would easily identify and manage the extreme cases with a preferential and specialized care, especially where parents are financially challenged.


Otherwise, the COVID-19 positive students have returned to the different destinations of the country and are in lockdown together with their families. In some families, members are more vulnerable due to compromising and underlying health issues.


This is very defeating because transmission is within households.
We worry about a decline into the phase of uncontrolled transmission.

We therefore advise that we need to invest more money in testing and vaccination.

We need to profiling the underlying health issues with patients succumbing to COVID-19.We have been informed by health workers that there are a number of deaths that are avoidable but once patients are admitted, they are detached from their families and therefore care is not adequate. We invite government to adopt a new care system that involves families of the patients once they are admitted. In some of these facilities, families should be allowed to attend to their loved ones and given the same protection as given to a health worker. Families are reporting that their loved ones are dying in isolation and without information.

We are demanding for transparent treatment system; a more transparent protocol of treating the COVID-19 patients because there is also evidence that the lack of transparency accounts for some of the deaths.


• A phased Lockdown;
We believe that the issue of a Lockdown would have been phased and therefore, it is not late to be revisited. This is our proposal;

Every 2 weeks of a lockdown, the country should also have a 5-days lull to test the veracity of the government’s intervention because simply locking down without action is like running away from the epidemic.
1 week lockdown followed with 5 days break; when we do this, it will facilitate the government to understand whether what they are doing is working without necessarily breaking down the economy.
MASSIVE TESTING


Massive Testing informs the policy of Lockdown on whether it’s achieving its purpose or not. Without massive testing the country can be condemned to an abnormally longer lockdown than necessary.


The practice with covid-19 positive patients is self-isolation of 14 days along with treatment, before subsequent testing. What informs the need of a 42 day lockdown? All the parameters that show progress against the disease, like the time taken for the positive cases to double, the daily recorded positives; are informed by results from a sustained massive testing.


There are 2 types of tests;
Antigen Test: where a covid-19 Positive patient is identified, and medically managed.


Antibody Test: This identifies people who have developed immunity against COVID. The antibody test is very cheap and simple to perform. It’s as simple as doing a pregnancy test only that the sample used is a drop of blood.

The test strips are as cheap as $4, approximately UgxShs 15,000 as opposed to the antigen test which costs UgxShs 180,000.


The massive Antibody test will inform us whether Uganda has reached the Herd Immunity. But most importantly, it will inform the policy on Vaccine procurement and Vaccination.

We recognize that vaccines are not readily available on the world market; especially to countries that are waiting for them as donations. We have already observed and noted that funds should be voted to procure vaccines from the most reliable private suppliers, if we are to meet the target earlier envisaged by the Ministry of Health.

Mpuuga Mathias

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN PARLIAMENT

Project Muhoozi Chapter II: Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga promoted to Commander of Land Forces

The son and the rising star of the Republic, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga have been promoted again. His epic rise is continuing and it was rumoured that he would become the CDF, but he still get a prominent role of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). He becomes the third in the commando structure.

Lt. Gen. Kainerubaga has gone through the ranks like no one before him. The Senior Presidential Advisor on Security and the former commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC). The son of the President will now be in-charge of several of parts of the UPDF. He will have a bigger ability and order more soldiers than ever before.

As the Commander of the Land Forces. The Lt. Gen. Kainerubaga will control the Artillery Division, 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 5th Infantry Division, Armoured Brigade and Motorised Infantry. All of these will be directly under him. This is much more powerful than just commanding the SFC.

This is a step up in his rise. His becoming a powerful figure and have more say. That is a part of “Project Muhoozi”. The President and his allies are boosting him. Not making him a more feasible character or a political person. However, just like Museveni himself came through the ranks of the military. Used his role, had personal armies and also overthrow previous regimes by the guns. He is now teaching his son the art of war.

Because, Museveni knows the power of the gun can control the Republic and silence the critics. That’s why the President is appointing him here and wants him to have the legitimacy this way. Since he has faith in the arms and not in the people. If the President believed in the people and would have ensured a smooth transition.

He wouldn’t have made his son into a high ranking official in the army and the future CDF himself and even the Minister of Defence. That’s what’s coming now. It is only a few more steps now. Before Lt. Gen. Muhoozi is becoming a Minister of Defence like Museveni was at one point too. That’s how things are going and how it seems.

Today, he didn’t become the CDF, but become the THIRD in the command structure of the UPDF. That says it all. Peace.